National

Crown seeks 12 years for Amanda Todd harasser

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Oct, 2022 09:41 AM

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - A Dutch national returns to British Columbia Supreme Court as his multi-day sentencing for child sexploitation resumes.

The Crown is seeking a 12-year prison term for 44-year-old Aydin Coban, who was convicted in August of several offences related to an unrelenting online attack aimed at Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd.

She endured three years of online stalking and abuse as Coban hid behind aliases and threatened and blackmailed her, before she took her own life in 2012 when she was 15.

Coban was not charged in connection with the death, but the Crown has told his hearing that the sextortion scheme was "morally repugnant," he refuses rehabilitation, is at a high risk to reoffend and must be separated from society for a lengthy period.

Any sentence could be added to 11 years Coban is already serving in the Netherlands for similar offences, and the Crown is recommending the Canadian sentence be served after the Dutch penalty ends.

Crown counsel Louise Kenworthy says Coban's defence lawyer plans to ask that any Canadian punishment be served at the same time as Coban completes his Dutch term.

The sentencing hearing is expected to continue all week in New Westminster.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Feds to target need with housing cash, Hussen says

Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen said the budget's plan to double housing starts over the next decade will aim to incentivize the construction of units needed by seniors who are downsizing, for example, as well as newcomer families.

Feds to target need with housing cash, Hussen says

B.C. fires, floods add uncertainty to spring thaw

Major wildfires, droughts and mudslides last year dramatically altered the landscape, raising questions about the river's ability to handle the spring thaw, or freshet.

B.C. fires, floods add uncertainty to spring thaw

Confirmed outbreak of avian flu in B.C.

She says all poultry producers, including backyard poultry owners, are advised to increase their biosecurity practices and carefully monitor their flocks for any sign of illness.

Confirmed outbreak of avian flu in B.C.

Singh demands Indian PM stop anti-Muslim hate

In an outspoken intervention into Indian politics, Singh says he is deeply concerned by images, videos and targeted threats of violence against the country's Muslim community.

Singh demands Indian PM stop anti-Muslim hate

Health Canada approves COVID-19 prevention drug

The drug, named Evusheld, is intended for people who cannot receive a typical vaccine or for whom vaccines alone won't provide enough immunity. AstraZeneca says the drug is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19 for most people.

Health Canada approves COVID-19 prevention drug

Marathon B.C. ferry journey ended by tug

BC Ferries says the Queen of Oak Bay departed Horseshoe Bay at about 8 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to reach Departure Bay on Vancouver Island before 10 p.m. But the 90-minute trip became a five-hour marathon when the company says the ship had mechanical difficulty with its steering gear.